Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: N/A

The Liberian Administration has issued updates to Marine Notice POL-009 on the implementation of the 2021 Revised MARPOL Annex VI. Key amendments are summarized below:

•   NOx Technical Code: Section 1.29.3 updated to reflect Resolution MEPC.397(83).

•   EEDI Survey & Certification: Sections 4.2.1 and 4.3 now reference MEPC.1/Circ.855 (as amended) and the 2022 EEDI Guidelines (Resolution MEPC.403(83)).

•   Early Implementation: Section 12.2.24 allows early application of Resolution MEPC.398(83).

•   SCR Systems: New Section 12.2.10 inserted, addressing Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) requirements.

•   Biofuels: Section 14.2 amended to align with new instructions on biofuel use.

•   Flashpoint Reporting: Section 14.9.3 revised to include Resolution MSC.520(106) obligations where oil fuel fails minimum flashpoint standards.

•   SEEMP Compliance: Annex IV (SEEMP Part II) and Annex V (SEEMP Part III) revised in line with the latest SEEMP Guidelines.

Action for Ship-owners & Operators

Ensure your vessels are updated in line with these regulatory changes, particularly regarding NOx certification, SCR installations, and fuel compliance reporting.

Additional information can be found here

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 1/11/2025

The Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) has announced that, effective 1 November 2025, a “Fit and Proper Person” process will be implemented for all applicants seeking Cook Islands maritime documents, in accordance with the Maritime Transport Act 2008.

This process applies to all applicants for CoCs, CoPs, Endorsement of Recognition Certificates, and Seaman’s Discharge Books.

All applications for these documents must include:

•   Fully completed, signed, and dated Fit and Proper Person process

•   Police Report

More details and forms are available below:

Fit and Proper Person Guidelines

Fit and Proper Person Form

Additional information can be found here.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 5/11/2025

The Liberian Maritime Authority has issued Marine Notice SAF-020 (Rev. 10/25) to provide guidance for compliance with the new SOLAS regulation II-1/3-13, adopted through IMO Resolution MSC.532(107). The regulation, effective 1 January 2026, introduces mandatory requirements for design, construction, testing, maintenance, and certification of lifting appliances and anchor handling winches.

Applies to all lifting appliances, anchor handling winches, and associated loose gear installed on or after 1 January 2026. Existing equipment must undergo testing and examination at the first renewal survey after that date.

Liberia has delegated certification and survey responsibilities for lifting appliances and anchor handling winches to its Authorized ROs.

• New installations must be load tested and thoroughly examined before first use.

• Existing units must be tested by the first renewal survey post-2026.

• Periodic testing and thorough examination must align with HSSC survey intervals.

Owners must ensure ongoing maintenance, inspection, and operational testing in accordance with manufacturers’ recommendations, RO rules, and IMO guidelines.

Additional information is available at SAF-020.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 28/10/2025 

The Liberian Maritime Authority (LISCR) has issued Marine Advisory 32/2025 following two serious marine casualties involving crew members during tug line operations on Liberian-flagged vessels. Both incidents resulted in severe leg injuries due to improper line handling, lack of supervision, and communication failures.

Key Findings:

• Crew stood too close to tensioned lines.
• Supervising officers participated directly in line handling rather than overseeing.
• Poor communication between deck and bridge teams and with tug operators.

Recommended Actions:

1. Review and Update Procedures
2. Enhance Crew Training
3. Improve Supervision and Communication
4. Fleet-Wide Awareness

These incidents underscore the importance of procedural discipline and effective communication during tug operations.

Further information: The full advisory is available at MA 32/2025

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 24/09/2025 

The Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure has issued a new Port State Control (PSC) Implementation Regulation applying to all foreign-flagged ships calling at or anchoring in Turkish ports.

Detentions & Bans:

• Unauthorized departure or failure to reach repair yard → 6-month ban.
• 3 detentions in 36 months → 12-month ban; further detention → 24-month ban.
• Two bans + new detention → permanent ban.
• Regional MoU bans also apply; black-listed/substandard flags may be restricted.

Appeals:

Must be lodged within 1 month; detention remains in force during appeal.

Follow-up Inspections:

Ships may proceed to approved repair yards; urgent safety/pollution cases may allow entry of banned ships.

Inspection Fees:

Operators bear costs of repeat inspections, inspections after bans, and services outside office hours. Detentions remain until fees are paid.

For the full Regulation please click here, a draft English translation is also available here.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Effective Dates: 01/01/2026

Please be informed that the upcoming IMO Amendments entering into force on 1 January 2026 are listed below for your reference.

STCW Code and STCW-F Convention

• Resolutions: MSC.560(108), MSC.561(108), MSC.562(108)
• Scope: Fishing vessels and all seafarers
• Summary:
  • Revised provisions on training, certification and watch keeping for fishing vessel personnel.
  • New mandatory training for all seafarers addressing the prevention of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), bullying, and assault.

Prohibition of PFOS in Fire-Fighting Foams

• Resolutions: MSC.532(107), MSC.536(107), MSC.537(107)
• Scope: All ships
• Summary:
  • Prohibition of the use of fire-fighting foams containing PFOS substances on-board ships.

SOLAS II-1/3-13 – Onboard Lifting Appliances and Anchor Handling Winches (OLAW)

• Resolution: MSC.532(107)
• Scope: All ships
• Summary:
  • Establishes new requirements for on-board lifting appliances and anchor handling winches to improve operational safety.

IGF and IGC Codes – Use of High-Manganese Austenitic Steel

• Resolutions: MSC.524(106), MSC.523(106)
• Scope: Ships using gases or other low-flashpoint fuels / gas carriers
• Summary:
  • Allows the use of high-manganese austenitic steel as cryogenic material with minimum design temperature -165°C.

Fire Protection of Control Stations on Cargo Ships

• Resolution: MSC.550(108)
• Scope: New cargo ships
• Summary:
  • Fixed fire detection and alarm systems to cover all control stations and cargo control rooms.

For existing passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, where applicable, compliance with retroactive requirements shall be confirmed by the attending surveyor(s) at the first survey conducted on or after 1 January 2028.

Fuel Oil Safety Measures

• Resolution: MSC.520(106)
• Scope: All ships
• Summary:
  • Bunker delivery notes to include flashpoint or statement of conformity with SOLAS II-2/4.2.1.
  • Non-compliant cases to be reported to IMO by the Administration.

LSA Code Amendments

• Resolution: MSC.554(108)
• Scope: All ships
• Summary:
  • Enhanced in-water performance standards for lifejackets.
  • New lowering speed requirements for survival craft launching appliances.
  • Clarification on exemptions for single fall and hook systems.

Ventilation of Totally Enclosed Lifeboats

• Resolutions: MSC.535(107), MSC.544(107)
• Scope: New installations after 1 January 2029
• Summary:
  • Minimum ventilation capacity requirement of 5 m³/hour per person.
  • Limiting the duration of thermal protection tests for immersion suits using human subjects to a maximum of 15 minutes when skin temperature falls below 10°C.

IMDG Code Amendments

• Resolution: MSC.556(108)
• Scope: Ships carrying IMDG cargo
• Summary: Addition of new dangerous goods, revised provisions for battery-powered vehicles, and stricter requirements for data loggers and sensors.

2011 ESP Code

• Resolution: MSC.553(108)
• Scope: Oil tankers and bulk carriers
• Summary: Clarifies Administrations’ right to directly audit thickness measurement firms.

Grain Code Amendments

• Resolution: MSC.552(108)
• Scope: All cargo ships
• Summary: Introduces a new class of loading condition for grain carriage.

Mandatory Electronic Inclinometers

• Resolutions: MSC.532(107), MSC.533(107), MSC.534(107)
• Scope: New bulk carriers and container ships ≥ 3,000 GT
• Summary: Mandatory carriage of electronic inclinometers with new performance standards.

IGF Code Amendments

• Resolution: MSC.551(108)
• Scope: New ships (retroactive provisions apply to some existing ships)
• Summary: Updates and enhancements to safety requirements under the IGF Code.

Maintenance and Testing of Survival Craft and Rescue Boats

• Resolutions: MSC.402(96), MSC.559(108)
• Scope: All ships
• Summary: Ventilation systems of totally enclosed lifeboats included in annual examination and operational testing by approved service suppliers.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels.

Panama Maritime Authority (PMA) has published Merchant Marine Circular MMC-404, with updated measures aiming to reduce detentions and ensure better performance under PSC regimes.

This new circular unifies MMC-381, MMC-393, MMC-398, MMC-402, which from now on are considered obsolete.

 Panama flag stakeholders shall be informed of updated measures aimed at improving the performance and compliance of Panamanian-flagged vessels during Port State Control (PSC) inspections of ships calling ports under USCG, Paris MoU, AMSA, or China MSA jurisdiction.
 
Key Updates

• A dedicated Pre-Arrival Checklist has been developed to help identify weak areas that may result in PSC deficiencies or detentions. This tool is mandatory and intended for use by Ship-owners, Operators, DPAs, Technical Managers, and Masters

• Mandatory for ships calling ports under USCG, Paris MoU, AMSA, or China MSA jurisdiction.

• Must be sent to: prearrival@amp.gob.pa  
• 120 hours before arrival at any of the specified ports
• If the voyage is shorter than 96 hours, send at least 24 hours before arrival 

Purpose of Checklist

• Improve fleet performance in PSC inspections
• Reduce risk of detentions
• Identify and correct potential deficiencies before port arrival 

Any outstanding deficiencies, including equipment failures, must be immediately notified to the RO, Segumar, and port state authorities, along with the corrective action plan agreed.

Pre-Arrival Checklist for Panamanian Flagged vessels is available here.
 
The complete circular is available here.
 
Our organization remains available to support companies in the implementation of this new requirement, ensuring proper understanding and compliance with the checklist submission process and PSC preparedness.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Amendments enter into force: 1 August 2025
Existing ships must comply: from 1 January 2026
New ships delivered after 1 August 2025: compliance from entry into service

IMO has updated the Data Collection System (DCS) under MARPOL Annex VI to improve the accuracy and granularity of fuel consumption and efficiency data. Key changes include:
 
Detailed Fuel Reporting 

• Fuel consumption must now be recorded per consumer type (main engines, auxiliary engines, boilers, etc.) and per fuel type.
• Fuel used while the ship is not under way (e.g., at berth, drifting, or during ship-to-ship operations) must also be included.
• Onshore power usage, installation of energy-saving technologies, and total transport work must also be reported. 

Voyage-Based Reporting 

• Distance travelled and hours under way are only recorded when the ship is “under way” (FAOP → EOSP).
• Fuel consumption while not under way is reported as a total for that period, without distance or hours.
• This replaces traditional daily reporting to improve accuracy and simplify submissions. 

SEEMP Part II Updates

 The Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) Part II must be updated and reviewed by the flag Administration or Recognized Organization. 

• ​Existing ships: review before 1 January 2026
• New ships delivered after 1 August 2025: review before entering service 

 
Methods for Data Collection 

• Primary methods: flow meters and bunker tank monitoring (recommended for accuracy)
• Secondary methods: subtraction or estimation (require justification and approval) 

Why These Changes Were Made

• To improve accuracy of fuel consumption and emissions reporting.
• To incentivize ships to reduce idle fuel consumption at ports or during anchoring.
• To align reporting with Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) and IMO decarbonization goals. 

Implications for Shipowners and Managers

• Ensure equipment and procedures for fuel monitoring are in place.
• Update SEEMP Part II and submit for review before the deadlines.
• Transition to voyage-based reporting, separating “under way” and “not under way” fuel consumption.
• Train crews and shore staff on new definitions and reporting methods. 

Key Dates to Remember

Deadline for SEEMP Update & Data Collection for existing ships: 1 January 2026

Deadline for SEEMP Update & Data Collection for new ships: Before entry into service (after 1 Aug 2025)
 
In Summary:

From 2026, all ships will report more granular fuel consumption and energy efficiency data. Fuel used at berth or during idle operations still counts, but distance travelled and hours are only reported when underway. Voyage-based reporting ensures clarity, consistency, and compliance with IMO’s latest guidelines.

For further guidance or support with SEEMP updates and data collection systems contact us at mes@phrs.gr.

Refers to: Ship-owners, Operators, Masters and Managers of PHRS certified vessels

Action Date: 01/10/2025  

Resolution MEPC.383(81) introduces amendments to Regulations A-1 and B-2 of the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention, formally recognizing the use of Electronic Record Books (ERBs). An ERB is defined as a system approved by the Flag Administration for the recording of ballast water operations.

These amendments permit ERBs to replace traditional paper record books or to be integrated into other existing shipboard record systems. In accordance with the revised requirements, ballast water operations must be recorded without delay, signed by the responsible officer, and verified by the Master in a timely manner.

Requirements:

• Ships using an electronic Ballast Water Record Book (BWRB) must hold a ship-specific approval issued by the Flag Administration or an organization recognized by the Flag no later than 1 October 2025.

• In line with Convention requirements, Ballast Water Record Book entries must be kept onboard for a minimum of two years after the last entry and subsequently retained under the Company’s control for an additional three years. Shipowners, managers, and crews should prepare for the transition by ensuring ERB systems meet IMO guidelines and secure Flag approval ahead of October 2025. For more information contact us at technical@phrs.gr  .

A milestone shaped by trust, expertise, and global partnerships.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Phoenix Register of Shipping — a journey that began in 2000 with a clear vision: to serve the maritime industry with integrity, technical excellence, and commitment to safety.

On May 16th, we celebrated this important milestone at the beautiful Ploes Venue, surrounded by valued partners, clients, team members, and friends who have been part of our story.

Over the past 25 years, PHRS has grown into a trusted classification society, delivering high-standard services in ship classification, statutory certification, and technical consulting.

We are sincerely thankful for the trust and cooperation we have received from the international maritime community. Your support continues to inspire us to move forward with passion and responsibility.

Here’s to the next chapter — with the same dedication that has guided us so far!

Thank you for being part of our journey.

Take a look at some highlights from this special evening below.